It was Halloween night, and the weather was similar to what we see in December. Crazy winds, some snow mixed with rain, and very low temperatures were on the roster for the evening...and so was football.
It was Lake Central vs. Merrillville that night, and the Indians traveled to the Home of the Pirates. Not everyone was able to brave the weather, but some die hard fans made it to the game.
"I came out to support my team," Marcus Hayes, a student of Merrillville High School said. "I love the Pirates."
Brett Arton, another MHS student said, "I came to support my team. I think we'll win tonight."
Ryan Atkins, a third MHS student said. "I play for the freshman team and my brother s the quarterback for the varsity team. He's hurt right now and if we win he can play again. Football is in my blood. I hope we win."
All three boys are part of the Pirates freshmen team.
Lake Central student Hanna Giese said, "I think we can win. If we win we'll go to celebrate and go to Regionals!"
Ryan Ruthrau of Lake Central said, "We just need to take it one step at a time and make every play."
But there was no celebration to be had for Lake Central. Merrillville came back in the second half of the game and beat MHS 21-19.
This was the second upset that Merrillville pulled off to get them to the playoffs. It was an excellent game that had people momentarily forgetting about the chill in the air. The Pirates will advance to Regionals.